2017 Teacher Of The Year Nominees

Each year, the teachers in the three academic departments of Diamond Bar High School name a teacher of the year within their divisions. From those three, the entire staff votes which teacher will be Diamond Bar High School's Teacher of the Year. The winner will be announced during the Staff Appreciation Luncheon put on by our Magnificent Seven parent's organization.

This year's nominees are:

Global Foundations Teacher of the Year: Bill Foley

Besides having a sincere passion for his craft, Bill demonstrates a lot of care for each student that walks into his room. He supports his kids by celebrating their creativity, and shares their talents through the photos that decorate our campus. Bill has established an on-going articulation with Mt. SAC, which allows his students to attend field trips to their photo labs, construct photography portfolios of their work, and complete the articulation exam for college credit. He stepped in to support the DECA program this year by chaperoning their state conference, after the group lost their CTSO advisor, ensuring the students did not miss an opportunity to show off their skills. He has also continuously supported the international student visitors from China and Taiwan by having his students tour them around campus to capture photos of their experiences, which are developed as souvenirs of their trip. You can see Bill on the sidelines at all types of extra-curricular and sporting events, working with his students to capture amazing moments, which are shared throughout the community using social media.

Health and Humanities Teacher of the Year: Patrick Murphy

Patrick is a loyal Brahma and is known by his colleagues as a curricular leader. He has taught just about every Social Science course offered at DBHS. He has led World History in recent years by generating innovative and relevant common assessments. Patrick can be seen in PLCs collaborating with his colleagues by looking at data, refining assessments, and sharing best practices. He is known by others for always being willing to do whatever it takes for the greater good of our students.

Patrick serves DBHS in many capacities. He was a long time swim coach, he often mentors student teachers, and he operates the clock and scoreboard at our football games. At recent Open Houses, Mr. Murphy has stepped up to impressively host the “Brain Bowl” quiz game . He also represents World History at the WVUSD Curriculum Council where he helps develop curriculum with history teachers across the district.

Students respect Patrick’s knowledge and love his class. Colleagues appreciate his experience and honesty. Patrick incorporates a 21st century teaching style that makes history fun and engaging. He differentiates instruction, and ensures that his students are receiving opportunities to demonstrate skills sets required by the Common Core State Standards and the C3 Framework. Patrick is always willing to lend a helping hand to colleagues looking for innovative lessons and projects.

Communications, Performing Arts and World Languages: Lorena Piña

Lorena is a Spanish teacher who goes above and beyond to support students of all levels in the classroom. She spends time throughout the day teaching her students through best practices and methods including TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling), interactive seating and personalized instruction based on the needs of the students in her classroom. Not only does she find joy in teaching her students but she also coordinates weekly PLC collaboration with colleagues, builds support with parents, and continues to stay involved in professional growth and being active in the DBHS community. Please join me in congratulating Lorena Piña as the Teacher of the Year for the Performing Arts, Communications, and World Languages division.